Four hours to the south of Lima and just two hours from Ica, the area of Nazca has been inhabited by several pre-Incan cultures and then dominated by the Incas. The area is rich with ingenious primitive technology as seen in the Cantayoc Aqueducts as well as beautiful arts as displayed in the distinct artistic style of their ceramics. Of course, Nazca is most famous for its lines, which were discovered in 1927. Questions still remain for which reason these lines were created, why they are only visible from the air and what their main purpose was. Both Nazca lines and Nazca culture remain a mystery until today.
Tourism in the area is most directly related to those wanting to see the Nazca Lines, but there are several other areas worthy of a visit such as Cahuachi, Estaquería, Chauchilla cemetery and Paredones. You will also be able to find many ceramic artisans who still practice the ancient techniques of their ancestors.
Nazca boasts a dry and sunny climate year round with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F) during the summer months and 18°C (60°F) in winter, but having higher temperatures through most of the year, it is frequently referred to as the `City of Eternal Summer. Located in the central coastal area of Peru, the area is mostly desert and low plains, but surround by hills where mining is a profitable and common activity.
Check out current Nazca Weather conditions at Weather.com
Buses leave Lima on a regular basis and the trip might be anywhere from 6-8 hrs long, depending on the company and number of stops along the way. Visitors may also choose to visit Nazca from Paracas (3 ½ hrs) or nearby Ica (2 hrs), in which case a bus or van are also an option.
The bus companies we most frequently recommend are Cruz del Sur, Ormeño and Oltursa.
Navigating Nazca is quite easy as most services are located within walking distance of the main hotels and plaza. Should you require a taxi, using a safe, secure car should cost no more than S/ 3 to travel to most areas.
In this heavily touristic area, it is likely you will be approached by peddlers who are looking for people to buy their services which are sometimes non-existent. As we have arranged all of your sightseeing in the area, please know that Cultural Immersion only works with the most reputable of companies in Nazca.
The Nazca airport tax is exactly S/.20. No one should charge you anything more. If someone tries to charge you an earthquake tax, do not pay it as it does not exist. The INC (Instituto Nacional de Cultura National Institute of Culture) tax charged for local museums and attractions is valid; it was introduced in January of 2008. It is exactly S/11. Be sure to pay it to a tax collector that offers you a valid receipt with the current date.
These are meant to be precautionary tips. Peru is a developing country and this region has seen serious hardships in the face of devastating earthquakes that have affected the region time and again. Travelers are only asked to be careful, as looking after your belongings is a staple rule for travel in all of South America.
Declared an Archaeological World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, the Nazca lines and their origins remain a mystery to this day. The geoglyphs cover around 450 sq km and continue to intrigue visitors and archaeologists alike with their enigmatic presence. To truly appreciate the figures of animals, plants and other representations, you have to take a flight to oversee them. From the air, you will be able to appreciate their true magnificence.
A complex system of circular, spiral aqueducts displays the high level of technology for the early Nazca culture. They are not only still functional today, used by local farmers for their crops of corn, cotton and potatoes, but they are an architectural beauty well worth a visit.
One of the most unique museums you are likely to visit. This pre-Incan cemetery, which was afflicted by robbery many years in the past, contains graves left open where the mummified remains of the original inhabitants can now be visited. The robbers also left behind several pieces of hair and clothing, which, along with bone fragments, are scattered around the entire burial area.
Calle Jr. Bolognesi Nº 300
Combining the world of the stars, planets and modern astronomy with the theories of Dr. Maria Reich, this planetarium offers daily lectures which focus on archaeology and astronomy. Should the evening be clear, each show is followed by a viewing of the season´s constellations as well as planets and other celestial objects as seen from the backyard of the observatory as well as through a telescope.
Avenida de la Cultura 606
An excellent museum showcasing the regional Nazca culture. Visitors can view everything from reproductions of burial tombs to ceramic pan flutes, common to the area. Outside, guests can enjoy the museum´s garden which houses an original, running aqueduct from Nazca´s primitive past.
August 29 to September 10. The main day is on September 8.
Legend has it that a wooden box washed up on the shore of Bahia de San Nicolas containing the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, of Spain. Supposedly, this was part of the cargo on a Spanish galleon which had been troubled by high seas. As news of the discovery spread, each nearby village decided to try and move the precious treasure to their respective town. However, with each attempt, they failed; some obstacle or trial prevented the relocation of the statue. A delegation got together in Nazca, and was blessed with good weather, which is why they could successfully bring the statue to Nazca, where it became the Sacred Patroness of Nazca, the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe.
Jr. Arica 299-A
Tel. 056/522-066
Serves Peruvian fare such as ceviche and garlic chicken, even though it looks like a Chinese restaurant.
Jr. Arica 602
Tel. 056/521-287
Is one of the best restaurants in Nasca, offering good-value meals and a rooftop garden
Jr. Lima 321
Tel. 056/806-783
Is a great restaurant -- probably the best in town -- with a varied international menu, live music on weekends, and the graffiti scrawlings of hundreds of international travelers who visited before you.
Bolognesi 279
Tel. 056/806-891
Serves a large menu of Peruvian and international dishes, including ceviche, pastas, salads, and hamburgers; it's quite a hangout on weekend nights.